| Author | Message | ||
| smuprof
Member Username: smuprof Post Number: 94 Registered: 12-2003 |
All - Was in Dave Anderson's Zoo Music over in Garland, right next door to Larry Morgan (why you would locate two music stores together is beyond me), but Zoo definitely had some very cool stuff, including a nice 4 string Essence with a transparent grey finish. Dwayne Bowden, the manager, told me it was a trade in and the price he mentioned to me was $1200. I was running out of time, so I didn't play it or examine it closely, but it looked very clean and relatively new, so if someone looking for one, they seem like good people (as a first impression). I have moths in my wallet after snagging the S1 a couple of months ago, so this one's rightfully for someone else.  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5801 Registered: 5-2002 |
$1,200 is a very good price for an Essence in good condition, especially if it has a case. | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 507 Registered: 4-2003 |
Update on this bass. As John mentioned, the finish is a glossy, transparent, smoke-grey over flame maple. Not a burst finish. Slight buckle rash and a few minor dents. I would expect more for a '94. However, right on the tip of the lower horn there is a nick in the finish through to the wood, the size is about 1/16th" diameter. Pretty small. but it stands out because of the finish. Maple body, maple neck with walnut stringers. Cone peg head, not my favorite, but how much time do you spend looking at the head of your bass when playing? Bridge and logo need the usual cleaning. Tailpiece looks to have a brushed finish. The tuning keys and posts are untarnished and show no surface pitting. And as is standard for Essences basses there is no sustain block under the bridge. I played through a GK 1001RB-II head and a GK 210RBH cab. The bass' electronics are dead quiet. And with the amp settings flat I moved through the filter's range, blend and volume. Great sounds with "simple" controls. A very odd thing, the pup casings don't show any wear whatsoever. I would expect some finger wear or at least some fading of the gold embossed script on the casings. But nothing, they look brand, spanking new. The price has gone up to $1500, cash deal. Trade-ins might take a beating when dealing on this bass. There's no case. Staff is friendly and ready to sell, but not pushy. Zoo has a ton of gear in this price range that they're probably more motivated to move. A good buy if you're local and don't mind the absence of a case, maybe not so great if you're concerned about shipping without a case. Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5848 Registered: 5-2002 |
Great review Mike! Thanks! | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 508 Registered: 4-2003 |
I'm grateful it wasn't at the original asking price of $1200. Otherwise it may have been the cause of additional holiday anxiety. It's the only time I've held an Essence. VERY nice body and feel. Forgot to mention that the neck is the classic taper, which I prefer. |
